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Summary of occupation

Summary of occupation

Mining engineers plan and supervise the processes involved with extracting minerals from mines. They are often heavily involved in developing new mines, including assessing whether a mineral deposit can be profitably mined, and also research new techniques and processes to improve the efficiency and safety of mines.

ANZSCO description:

Plans and directs the engineering aspects of locating and extracting minerals from the earth. Registration or licensing may be required.

Working conditions

Working conditions

Mining engineers may work in offices, laboratories or on mine sites. Depending on the type of mine, those working on-site may work outside in most weather conditions, or underground in cramped, enclosed spaces.

Mining engineers work in mines all over Western Australia, from the mineral sands mines in Bunbury and the South West, coal mining in Collie, gold mining in Boddington and the Goldfields, to iron ore mining in the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions. Often they must be prepared to live on site away from home or work on a fly-in, fly-out basis, which involves working on site for a period of time and then returning home for a break. Many mine engineers work for large, global companies and may be required to travel overseas for work.

Salary details

Salary details

Graduate mining engineers can expect to earn approximately $1 442.30 per week ($75 000 per year) depending on the organisation they work for. With experience their earning potential may increase substantially.

Tools and technologies

Tools and technologies

Mining engineers use a variety of tools and equipment, including computers, surveying equipment and two-way radios. Mining engineers who are located on a mine site will also have to wear safety equipment, including protective eye-wear, hard hats, gloves and hearing protection. They will also need to be familiar with the operation of a range of specialised mining equipment.

Related courses

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. You generally start your school based apprenticeship by attending school three days a week, spending one day at a registered training organisation and one day at work. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you get a full-time apprenticeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school leaving age.

If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.